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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Stable isotope analysis successfully identifies wild-caught individuals of threatened Asian freshwater turtles in illegal trade
Global Ecology and Conservation, Vol.64, pp.1-11
2025
Abstract
Laundering of wild-caught animals as captive-bred is a frequent practice in the illegal wildlife trade. Stable isotope analysis is a promising tool for distinguishing wild and captive-bred animals. We use Hong Kong freshwater turtles to test the effectiveness of using stable isotopes to differentiate wild and captive-bred individuals. In this study, we compared five stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, δ2H, and δ18O) in claw samples across four highly threatened species: Cuora trifasciata, Mauremys reevesii, Platysternon megacephalum, and Sacalia bealei. We found non-overlapping δ13C and δ15N values for all species; combined δ13C and δ15N isotopic profiles resulted in a 100 % accuracy in identifying the sources of turtles. Through repeated sampling of seized P. megacephalum, we estimate 95 % turnover rates of 46.3 months for δ13C and 32.8 months for δ15N, suggesting that wild-caught individuals can be identified up to two years after capture. Lastly, we apply the stable isotope method in true wildlife seizures. These seizures are unique because some individuals possessed microchips from our long-term population study, so were unambiguously from the wild. The isotopic profiles of seized turtles clustered with those of wild populations, providing forensic evidence that supported the prosecution of suspects for illegal trade and/or possession. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of δ13C and δ15N in differentiating wild and captive freshwater turtles. We advocate for using isotopic profiling in future seizures and expanding its application to more taxa and geographic locations to support wildlife trade management and prevent illegal exploitation of wild organisms globally.
Details
- Title
- Stable isotope analysis successfully identifies wild-caught individuals of threatened Asian freshwater turtles in illegal trade
- Authors
- Yik-Hei Sung (Corresponding Author) - University of SuffolkJia Huan Liew - University of TasmaniaWing Sing Chan - University of Hong KongAmy Wing Lam Fok - Lingnan UniversityJulia Leung - Lingnan UniversityHo Fung Wong - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringDavid M. Baker - University of Hong KongTimothy C. Bonebrake - University of Hong KongCaroline Dingle - Capilano UniversityDavid Dudgeon - University of Hong KongNancy E. Karraker - University of Rhode IslandAnthony Lau - Lingnan UniversityViolaine A. Colon - Durrell Wildlife Conservation TrustIoannis Magouras - University of BernGary Ades - Kadoorie Farm and Botanic GardenPaul Crow - Kadoorie Farm and Botanic GardenLiz Rose-Jeffreys - Kadoorie Farm and Botanic GardenRicky Spencer - Western Sydney UniversityJonathan J. Fong (Corresponding Author) - Lingnan University
- Publication details
- Global Ecology and Conservation, Vol.64, pp.1-11
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03947
- ISSN
- 2351-9894
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- Data will be made available on request.
- Grant note
- We acknowledge funding support from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF 04–2017), the Ocean Park Conservation Fund (RP01.1718, RP02.1920), the RGC Early Career Scheme 23100020), the Lam Woo Fund of Lingnan University (LWI20021), the RGC Research Matching Fund, and the RGC Hong Kong-Germany Funding Scheme.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991192143602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Ecology